Do you want to create a focal point and elevate the aesthetic appeal of your room? Or do you want to add a touch of glamour to your living space or dining area? We recommend that you install a chandelier to brighten up your space and give it a new lease of life.
We know what a chandelier is and that installing a chandelier is no mean task as it involves a lot of electrical work. It is not a DIY lighting project that you can do quickly. We would recommend you hire someone to help. But fear not! We are here to walk you through the various chandelier installation steps.
Chandelier installation: How to install a chandelier?
It is crucial to stay safe while dealing with any electrical fixtures. Thus, it would be best to switch off the power before installing a chandelier. You should also have someone to assist you in the whole process, as it makes your task easy.
Detach the old fixture
Are you fixing the chandelier in place of an old lighting fixture? Then, the first step would be to remove the old fixture. This includes removing the bulb, cover, and any other detachable parts.
You can use a step ladder to reach the height of the fixture. This also helps you to stand comfortably while uninstalling the fixture.
Using a screwdriver, you should remove the screws that attach the fixture to the ceiling. Once done, you should carefully remove the fixture from the ceiling.
Under no circumstance should you allow the fixture to hang attached to the wire, as it can damage the wiring.
Study the wiring
Using a circuit tester, make sure that the wires are not live. You will likely see two or more wires of different colors connecting the fixture to the home’s electrical system. Study carefully and see where each wire is connected.
You will notice nuts connecting these wires to the main power supply. Unscrew the nuts and separate the cables.
Check the mounting box
All electrical connections will have a mounting box or junction box with all electrical wirings enclosed. You should check the existing mounting box and ensure it supports the new chandelier.
If the mounting box does not support the new chandelier, you must replace it. For this, gently unscrew it from the base and install a new one that supports the new chandelier.
Assemble the chandelier
You can now proceed to assemble the chandelier based on the instruction manual. Do not attach the crown that will be connected to the ceiling. Similarly, it is best to avoid installing the light bulbs now, as installing the chandeliers without them is easy.
Adjust the chain
Most chandeliers come with a long chain that you can adjust depending on your requirements. Want to shorten a chain? You can use a heavy plier to open one of the chain links. Once done, you can easily remove the unwanted chain.
The chandelier should be at least 30 inches above the surface. Thus, you should adjust the chain, keeping this distance in mind.
Attach the chandelier to the mounting box
Chandeliers come with mounting brackets, which you should attach to the mounting box using screws. Next, you should insert the chandelier hooks into the bracket.
Both the home electrical system and chandelier will have bare copper wires. You should wrap these wires around a grounding screw, normally colored green.
The grounding wire’s main purpose is to send excess current, if any, to the ground or any other safe location.
Connect the wires
Have you seen different colored wires in the electric supply? Well, they are meant for easy connection.
Normally, you will notice yellow, green, and black and white colored wires. Connect these wires to the corresponding wires in the chandelier. However, the color code in the chandelier can be different sometimes. In that case, you should cross-check the same with the instructions in the installation manual before proceeding.
Once all the wires are connected, wrap them with electrical tape and place them inside the box. You can then screw the crown onto the ceiling to cover the box.
Switch on the chandelier
Finally, you can connect the bulbs and switch on the chandelier.
What if it does not work? Do not worry; you might have connected the wrong wires. You can rewire it one more time after checking the color codes carefully.
Conclusion
Is installing a chandelier a daunting task? Well, it need not be if you have the right tools and people to assist you. But always remember to prioritize safety and switch off the electric supply before you start the work. Similarly, use a circuit tester to check whether the wires are live.
However, installing a chandelier can be tricky if you are a newbie to such DIY work. In such a case, it is best to seek the help of a professional who can do the job in a matter of hours.
FAQ
Can you install a chandelier by yourself?
Installing a chandelier is not an easy task. However, you can install a chandelier if you have the basic tools and experience working with electricity. Remember to always have an assistant around to make your task easy.
Do I need an electrician to install a chandelier?
If you do not have any previous experience installing electrical fittings, it is best to seek the help of an electrician.
What is the rule for hanging a chandelier?
The bottom edge of the chandelier should be 30 inches above the table. The ideal chandelier should be 12 inches narrower than a table.
How much does it cost to install a chandelier?
The chandelier installation cost in total depends on whether you are installing it yourself or seeking the help of a professional. If you are hiring a professional for the work, it would cost around $110 – $250. However, if you are undertaking the work independently, there is hardly any cost involved.
What is the best height to hang a chandelier?
The chandelier should be hung 30-36 inches above the table surface in a dining room. The same distance should be maintained above the countertop in the kitchen. You should always maintain a 7 feet distance between the bottom of the chandelier and the floor. This prevents the bumping of the head against the chandelier.
What is the ideal size of the chandelier?
The ideal size of the chandelier depends on the size of the room. The optimal diameter of the chandelier should be the total length and width of the room in inches.
How long does it take to install a chandelier?
The time taken to install a chandelier depends on the size of the chandelier, the complexity of its design, the height of the ceiling, and the existing electrical work. While a small chandelier can be installed for as little as 30 minutes, large ones require several hours for installation.
Where should I install a chandelier?
The place to install it varies depending on the room. In the case of an entryway, the chandelier should be hung in the middle of the space. For bedrooms, the chandeliers can be hung either above the bed or in the middle of the room. Similarly, in a dining area, you can hang the chandelier either in the middle of the room or above the dining table.
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